In Suzuki-Miyaura reactions, anionic bases F- and OH- (used as is or generated from CO32- in water) play multiple antagonistic roles. Two are positive: 1)formation of trans-[Pd(Ar)F(L)(2)] or trans-[Pd(Ar)- (L)(2)(OH)] (L=PPh3) that react with ArB(OH)(2) in the rate-determining step (rds) transmetallation and 2)catalysis of the reductive elimination from intermediate trans-[Pd(Ar)(Ar)(L)(2)]. Two roles are negative: 1)formation of unreactive arylborates (or fluoroborates) and 2)complexation of the OH group of [Pd(Ar)(L)(2)(OH)] by the countercation of the base (Na+, Cs+, K+).